JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER
Legislative Luncheon Legislative Preview Luncheon scheduled for January 23 The Fremont County Legislative Preview Luncheon, hosted by the Lander Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Friday, January 23, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, at the Lander Community Center, 950 Buena Vista Drive.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman Ryan Preston Hampton Inn & Suites Riverton
The Wyoming Legislature is scheduled to convene in Cheyenne in February for the 2026 General Session. Prepare your business by hearing what Fremont County's state senators and representatives have been addressing during the interim and what issues they expect to consider in Cheyenne in 2026.
Vice Chairman Helen Wilson Wind River Visitors C ouncil
Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Fremont Toyota; gold level sponsors City of Lander, Rocky Mountain Power, Teton Therapy, CMBC Building and Restoration, Wyoming Life Resource Center; and our preferred media partner County 10. Admission is $30 per person for Lander Chamber members and $40 for guests. Everyone is welcome to attend! For information on sponsorship opportunities for this special event, contact Meghan at 332-3892, ext. 4, or email meghan@landerchamber.org.
A Special Thank You As 2025 comes to a close and we start a brand new year, I would like to express my thanks to all our Chamber members, local business owners and friends and neighbors for supporting the Lander Chamber of Commerce, its staff and board of directors. Special thanks also to my teammates Meghan Manning and Grace Jubber. I appreciate your hard work. Every. Single. Day. The Chamber staff remains dedicated to providing outstanding service to Lander’s wonderful community. Without your support, we couldn’t do it. Here’s to a happy and prosperous New Year! With much gratitude, Carol King
Treasurer Joseph Susanka Wyoming Catholic College Past Chairman Tom Davis Fremont Therapy Chris VonHoltum Central Bank and Trust DIRECTORS Brian Rohrbacher Grand A ltitude Federal Credit Union Tiffany Hartpence Home Source Realty, Inc. Helen Wilson Wind River Visitors Council PROFESSIONAL STAFF Interim Executive Director Carol King Program & Event Coord. Meghan Manning Member Relations Coord. Grace Jubber
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT! ornerstone Group Realty (CGR) is a story of perseverance, partnership, and purpose. From the C beginning, Lander was part of the dream. But Lander, as many local entrepreneurs know, isn’t an easy market to break into. In 2010, the partners took their first step toward establishing a presence in town by purchasing Fremont Realty. Yet, despite their efforts, the timing wasn’t right. Still, the word “quit” simply wasn’t part of their vocabulary. Between 2016 and 2022, CGR quietly maintained several small offices throughout Lander before finally opening the doors of their current home at 592 Main Street, Suite A—a place that now reflects the strength and spirit of their journey. The partnership between Niki and Judy began after the two completed continuing education together across Wyoming. They discovered their shared customer-first philosophy and mutual desire to build a place where people felt heard, respected, and supported. Judy’s connection to Lander runs deep—she first settled here in the 1970s as a teacher, moved to Riverton for work, and eventually returned home in 2015. When she came back, it became clear that Lander deserved the choice and service CGR offered. In January 2022, Niki became the sole owner of Cornerstone Group Realty, continuing the mission the two built together. T he CGR team today reflects that same spirit of dedication and heart. Each team member contributes something unique to CGR and to the community they serve. Judy Bauman, who loves all the outdoor activities that Lander has to offer, supports without hesitation local events and businesses. Tim and Sheri Culver, who moved to Lander in 2019 to be closer to family, contribute steadfast faith and community-centered values. Jackie Farkas, who brought her years of real estate experience, relocated to Lander in 2023, inspired by Wyoming’s lifestyle and opportunities. Kent Hall, the newest agent, adds meaningful ties to the history and people of Fremont County CGR has always believed in exceptional service rooted in ethics, professionalism, and education. As members of the National Association of Realtors, the team upholds a strict Code of Ethics. Both founders earned advanced designations—including CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative)—by completing extensive continuing education. Their message to clients has always been consistent: buying a home should feel like coming home, and choosing the right agent means choosing someone who truly listens. W hat many people don’t know is that CGR is a quiet force of generosity in Fremont County. With every closed transaction, the client chooses one of the five vetted charities—including The Soldiers House, Lander Pet Connection, Help for Health Hospice, Fremont County Shriners, or the Boys & Girls Club of Fremont County—and CGR donates part of their commission. There is no advertising, no fanfare, no publicity. They simply give. C ornerstone Group Realty isn’t trying to be the biggest real estate office in Fremont County. Their focus is steady, meaningful growth—adding the right people, serving their community with integrity, and continuing to be the “Name Friends Recommend.” Their mission remains the same as it has for 16 years: deliver standout service, build long-lasting relationships, grow referral-based business, and keep raising the bar for what a local real estate team can achieve.
BUSINESS EDUCATION Retention Strategies That Work Keeping Talent in a Shifting Workforce By Devan Costa-Cargill, Regional Director, Wyoming SBDC I n today’s rapidly evolving HR landscape, employee retention is no longer just about competitive pay. It’s about building an environment where people want to stay. Research shows that effective talent management improves service quality, strengthens loyalty, and drives long-term economic impact. The challenge for small business leaders is to create a tailored “recipe” of conditions that attract, engage, and retain high-quality workers in an era of constant change. K now What Drives Loyalty and Job Satisfaction T wo powerful concepts, Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction, consistently influence retention. This commitment reflects an employee’s loyalty and willingness to contribute to company goals. Satisfaction on the job measures the perceived return employees gain compared to their expectations. Higher commitment to the organization acts as a barrier to quitting, while dissatisfaction is a major predictor of turnover. R elated theories like social identity highlight that personal values, social context, and perceived “fit” shape employee behavior. Especially in industries such as hospitality, a major player in the Wyoming tourism sector, alignment between personal passions and workplace opportunities fuels both attraction and retention of quality staff. L everage Regional and Community Ecosystems R etention isn’t just an internal HR challenge; it’s influenced by the surrounding economic environment. Educational institutions, for example, boost retention by attracting skilled talent to a region and fostering inter-organizational collaboration. Proximity and partnerships between educational institutions and the local community create an “incubator” effect, enabling mobility and career advancement while keeping talent local. A pply High-Impact Retention Strategies R ecent research identified four strategies with meaningful cross-industry impact: F lexibility: Offer personalized scheduling, seasonal adjustments, or reduced hours to align with employees’ personal lives. Non-Monetary Benefits: Professional development, childcare assistance stipends, and HSA/FSA allotments often outweigh cash incentives in driving loyalty. E xternal Activities: Social events, sports, and community engagement improve team cohesion, focus, and overall morale. E mployer Brand and Reputation: A respected, values-driven brand attracts talent and reinforces pride among current staff. When paired with talent development and creative problem-solving, these strategies can also boost service outcomes. Essentially, when you implement meaningful retention strategies, your staff’s commitment to your business grows and their overall job satisfaction increases, directly impacting the quality they provide to customers. It is a win-win-win. O ne of the most effective ways to align retention strategies with employee needs is to start during the recruitment phase. By asking thoughtful, targeted questions, small business owners can gain valuable insight into candidates’ motivations, long-term goals, preferred work environments, and expectations around growth and support. Questions like “What does professional development look like to you?” or “What makes you feel most supported in a team setting?” allow employers to identify common themes and values early on. This insight not only helps ensure a good fit from the start but also lays the foundation for a workplace culture that encourages longevity and engagement. A dditionally, these conversations give small business owners an opportunity to be transparent about their company’s values and the support structures they offer. Framing recruitment as a two-way dialogue fosters trust and demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee well-being. Over time, patterns in candidate feedback can guide which retention strategies will have the greatest impact. By proactively incorporating these insights into both hiring and retention planning, small businesses position themselves to create more resilient, motivated teams. The bottom line is that retention strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The most successful environments combine flexibility, community connection, meaningful non-monetary benefits, and strong cultural alignment, while adapting these strategies to evolving workplace realities. In doing so, they not only keep their best people but also strengthen the resilience and performance of the entire organization. T he Wyoming SBDC Network operates within a vast environment of small business resources. If you are trying to prepare for business ownership or hiring staff, the network can assist you with identifying your needs and connecting you with the resources that may best fit your priorities. The no-cost program can support you in many ways: personal budget preparation, business ideation, recruitment and onboarding, project planning, and much more. E ntrepreneurs and business owners who access services enjoy the benefits of no-cost advising, group learning events, both online and in-person, and perpetual access to the team of expert advisors across the state. With an ever-changing business landscape, it is quite honestly the best value for your time. Y ou can meet with your Regional Director in person at the regional office, a community location such as the library, or your business. Accessing services is as easy as making a call or registering online. You will receive a response from an advisor to set up an appointment. The initial appointment is typically a discovery call to gather some preliminary information on your goals. This sets the stage for the follow-up meetings.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Remaining 2025-2026 Schedule 1.15.26
HOME SOURCE REALTY
FROM 5:30 PM TO 7:00 PM
2.19.26
LANDER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
FROM 5:30 PM TO 7:00 PM
3.19.26
THE LANDER MOTEL
FROM 5:30 PM TO 7:00 PM
4.16.26
HAYDEN OUTDOORS
FROM 5:30 PM TO 7:00 PM
5.21.26
GUARDIAN FLIGHT
FROM 5:30 PM TO 7:00 PM
Please see our Facebook page or events calendar for all our upcoming events and their locations.
Coffee Chamber WITH the
Get connected! ~ Stay Connected!
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS December’s BAH was hosted by Chase Real Estate Management. Join us January 15 for the next BAH, hosted by Home Source Realty!
CHASE REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT GET CONNECTED! STAY CONNECTED!
02.19.26
LANDER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 101 MAIN ST., LANDER
FROM 5:30 PM TO 7:00 PM
Please see our Facebook page or events calendar for the dates and locations of future Business After Hours
RENEWING MEMBERS Artery Construction 57 Tweed Lane, Lander Broken Anvil Ranch PO Box 1837, Lander Clark's Landscaping PO Box 1204, Lander CyberWyoming PO Box 2332, Laramie DOWL PO Box 1655, Lander Lander Art Center 258 Main St., Lander Lander Senior Citizen's Center 205 So. 10th St., Lander
Lander Workforce Center Sagewest Health Care 1295 12th St., Lander 1320 Bishop Randall Dr., Lander Les Schwab Tire Center 1175 N. Federal Blvd., Sinks Canyon State Park Riverton 3079 Sinks Canyon Road, Lander McRae, Tony 2045 Baldwin Creek Road, WELCOME TO NEW Lander MEMBERS NOLS 502 Lincoln St., Lander
A.D. Martin Lumber Co. John Martin 110 W. Main St., Riverton
Porter's Mountain View Supply, Inc. HBC Cleaning LLC 750 E. Sunset Dr., Riverton Josh and Danielle Hakse 505 Amoretti St., Lander Rocky Mountain Oncology 15 Shrine Club Road, Lander
THANK YOU,
NEWSLETTER SPONSORS! CONVENER Investors
COLLABORATOR Investors
100 N 1st St., Lander WY 82520
Lander
Chamber of Commerce
THINK LANDER FIRST
SHOP LOCAL
COMMUNITY
AWARDS
Photo: Brad Christensen
We invite you to submit nominations for our 2026 Community Awards! To submit your choices online, go to: www.landerchamber.org and click on the link. For more information, call the Lander Chamber at 332-3892. As tradition holds, the categories are:
ANCHOR AWARD Survived the challenge of time (business) BEAUTIFICATION Outstanding storefront appearance ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Innovation, enthusiasm, and creativity (business) SPIRIT OF LANDER Ignites enthusiasm with their participation (business) LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION Long-standing community commitment (individual) RESERVE OR PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE: meghan@landerchamber.org | (307) 332-3892
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It’s So So Hard Hard to to It’s Say Goodbye... Goodbye... Say But in 2026, after six years in Lander, the LOR Foundation will say farewell as we begin work with another Wyoming community. LOR was created to support rural communities across the Mountain West and part of that mission means moving on after a few years, as hard as that can be. But we’re not gone yet! We’ll continue supporting the solutions Lander locals bring forward through June 2026. That means there’s still time to turn your vision for Lander into reality, just like the 250+ locals who’ve led over 400 projects since we arrived in 2020. From launching Meadowlark Market to upgrading the rodeo grounds restrooms, Landerites have stepped up with ideas to help their neighbors, backed by nearly $3 million in support from LOR. Teachers, parents, teens, veterans, pastors—you name it—have seen a need and stepped forward to meet it. We’ll keep celebrating their work in this space in the months ahead, and we hope you’ll be inspired to share your own idea, too. We may be saying goodbye next year, but there’s still time to say hello to your idea! ami@lorfoundation.org (307) 349-2654 lorfoundation.org
January Events 2026 Repeating Events Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Lander Art Center’s Saturday Morning Jam. All instruments, ages and skill sets are welcome. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 258 Main St., Lander. Jan. 3, 15 Creative Writing Group. Join Riverton Branch Library’s Creative Writing Group the first Saturday and third Thursday of each month. Saturday at 11 a.m. and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. 1330 W. Park Ave., Riverton. Jan. 3, 17 Boulder Choke Cave Tour. Join Sinks Canyon State Park on a guided adventure in the Boulder Choke Cave. Participants will be equipped with helmets, lights and overalls. $20. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sinks Canyon State Park, Lander. Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 Lego Club at the Riverton Branch Library. Building prompts will be provided, but participants can make whatever they’d like. All ages are welcome. 3:30 to 5 p.m. 1330 W. Park Ave., Riverton. Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 Stitch & Be Sewcial at the Library. Join the Dubois Branch Library for sharing projects, finishing a work-in-progress or learning new skills in a fun, social environment. All skill levels and projects are welcome, and mentors are available. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. 202 N. First St., Dubois. Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 Enhanced Storytime at the Lander Library. Enjoy stories and songs, then follow up with sensory activities for the little littles and a game or craft for the bigger
littles. It’s storytime with even more fun. Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. 200 Amoretti St., Lander. Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 Storytime Tales & Tunes. Singing, reading and crafts for ages birth to five years. 11 a.m. 1330 W. Park Ave., Riverton. Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 Homeschool Hangout. Stop by the Riverton Branch Library for a weekly afternoon hangout. Games and crafts for all ages will be provided. Thursdays from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. 1330 W. Park Ave., Riverton. Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 Youth Chess Club. Come to the Lander Library to sharpen your chess skills or learn how to play. 4 to 5 p.m. 200 Amoretti St., Lander. Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 Family Storytime at the Dubois Branch Library. Songs, stories, crafts and fun for ages birth to five years (older siblings are welcome). Fridays 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 202 N. First St., Dubois. Jan. 18–24 Fremont Restaurant Week. Businesses across Fremont County are offering special pricing for select items on their menu. The pricing at each location includes at least one of the following: $10 for County 10, $18.84 for the year Fremont County was established and $52.25 for the average elevation of the towns in Fremont County.
Single Events Jan. 1 Sinks Canyon State Park First Day Hikes. The morning hike starts at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center with a leisurely, guided walk along
the Sinks to Rise Trail. Enjoy canyon views, learn about the canyon’s history, geology and ecology, and look for fish at The Rise. The afternoon hike starts at 1 p.m. at the Popo Agie Nature Trail parking area in the Popo Agie Campground and ascends into Shoshone National Forest. 3018 Sinks Canyon Rd., Lander. Jan. 1 Boysen State Park First Day Hike. Enjoy a guided 1.5 mile hike with Boysen State Park staff to a special overlook above the park headquarters for a great view of the reservoir. Please dress for the weather, and expect snow cover on the trail. Meet at the Park Headquarters. 10 a.m. 120 Boysen Dr., Shoshoni. Jan. 1 South Pass City First Day Hike. Enjoy a hike on one of the five miles of trail on the historic site. Meet at the Dance Hall. The event is free, and refreshments are served trail side courtesy of the Friends of South Pass. Call (307) 332-3684 for more information. 125 S. Pass Main St., South Pass City. Jan. 10 Met Opera at the Lander Library. Come to the Carnegie Room for a presentation of I Puritani – an opportunity to hear exemplary vocal performances. 10:55 a.m. 200 Amoretti St., Lander. Jan. 16 Lander Lunch & Learn. Connecting members of the business and broader community with opportunities. Free. 12 to 1 p.m. 120 Enterprise Blvd., Lander. Jan. 17 Red Riding Hood. This production is presented by Fremont School District #25, Arts in Action
PHOTO: MELANIE LIMPUS
and Central Wyoming College and is part of the Missoula Children’s Theatre’s unique international touring project. 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Robert A. Peck Arts Center, Riverton. Jan. 17 Sugar Cookie Showdown. A fun and festive ski event for young skiers up to fifth grade. Visit landernordic.org/events for more details and to register. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lander Golf Course, Lander. Jan. 17 Lander Middle School Nordic Skiing Invitational, location TBD (Lander Golf Course or Beaver Creek Nordic Ski Area). All Wyoming Middle School Nordic teams are invited to participate. 1 p.m., Lander. Jan. 21 Never Sweat Book Club at the Dubois Branch Library. Join the library and CWC Dubois for a thoughtful discussion on Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. 6 to 7 p.m. 202 N. First St., Dubois. Jan. 24 Elemental Bouldering Competition. Elemental Performance and Fitness is hosting a bouldering competition followed by an after party at the Coalter Loft. $25 registration. Youth: 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Female: 12 to 1:30 p.m.; Male: 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. (2 heats) 134 Lincoln St., Lander. Jan. 24 The Fremont County Pioneer Museum hosts the grand opening of “Sweetwater Ranch Life,” the paintings of Jack Corbett. The art displayed has never been seen by the general public, and the afternoon will include a reception, a talk by the artist’s family and a ribbon cutting. Free. 3 p.m. 1443 Main St., Lander.
For more information, a complete list of events or to request a vacation packet, visit WindRiver.org or call (307) 332-5546.
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